Governor N.N.Vohra, released Meera Khanna’s book, “In a State of Violent Peace” in a function organized here at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) today. Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady, also participated in the event.This book is an attempt to humanize the conflict through “lived experience” of 14 residents of the State, whose stories provide valuable insights into the complex challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The list of those whose “experiences” are brought include some of the most well known personalities in Kashmir.
The stories cover Ms. Mahmuda Ali Shah, an eminent Educationist who was the icon of women’s empowerment in the Valley; well known women leaders Ms. Surayya Ali Mattoo and Khaleda Begum, daughters of Mr. Sheikh Abdullah; Ms. Krishna Misri; well known educationist Professor Neerja Mattoo; Dr. Naseer Ahmad Shah and Dr. Girija Dhar.Observing that Meera Khanna’s book is a mosaic of narratives by the protagonists which take the reader back to significant events in our history- the Partition of India; rise of important leaders like Mr. Sheikh Abdullah; political evolution of J&K State; the rise of militancy and terrorism etc.
The Governor congratulated the author for the easy to read style of the book and appreciated the sensitivity with which she has covered facts and events, compelling the reader to think and co-relate them with some of the significant events in the history of J&K.The author brought out certain features of the book in a discussion which was held between her, Ms. Surayya Ali Mattoo and Ms. Neerja Mattoo.The welcome address and the vote of thanks were presented by Ms. Medha Khanna.Ms. Rama Vaidyanathan, an eminent Bharatnatyam dancer, presented a scintillating dance on the occasion, based on Sufi poetry.Among those present were a good number of prominent citizens and several protagonists of the stories in the “In a State of Violent Peace”.